Joseph J. O'Hara Jr.
Partner
Joseph J. O'Hara Jr. currently serves as Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Secretary for one of Schiff Hardin's long-standing clients, Owens-Illinois Inc., the maker of one of every two glass containers in the world. Mr. O'Hara has national responsibility for the management of O-I's asbestos litigation and previously prepared and tried asbestos cases all over the country. He also serves as the company's corporate secretary.
Mr. O'Hara can be contacted at Owens-Illinois, Inc., One Michael Owens Way
Perrysburg, OH 43551-2999 or via e-mail at joseph.o'hara@o-i.com
Speeches and Presentations
“What the ‘Year in Asbestos Litigation’ Means for You, Your Client and Your Company,” ACI’s Litigating and Managing Asbestos Claims , Philadelphia, Penn. (May 10, 2010)
“In-House Counsel & the Courts: A Panel Discussion With Four Managing Judges,” HB Emerging Trends in Asbestos Litigation, Marina del Rey, Calif. (March, 2010)
“The Surge in Bankruptcy Trust Payouts: Can You Make Everyone Happy?” HB National Asbestos Litigation Conference, San Francisco, Calif. (September 2009)
“HB Emerging Trends in Asbestos Litigation,” Los Angeles, Calif. (March 2009)
“Bankruptcy Update,” BVR/Mealey’s SuperConference, Scottsdale, Ariz. (September 2008)
"Tough Cases in Tough Places: Defense Strategies in Plaintiff-Friendly Jurisdictions," Mealey's Teleconference (May 4, 2006)
Mealey's Asbestos Medicine Conference, Chicago (April 10, 2006)
Awards and Honors
Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants
Illinois Super Lawyers — General Litigation
Leading Lawyer — Commercial Litigation; Products Liability Defense Law; Toxic Torts Defense Law, Illinois Leading Lawyers Network
Martindale-Hubbell — A/V Rated
Education
Northwestern University School of Law(J.D., 1981)Editorial Board, Northwestern University Law Review
Marquette University(B.S., 1975)
Teaching Appointments
Faculty Member, Illinois Defense Counsel (IDC) Trial Academy
Professional Memberships
American Bar Association
Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel
Past Member of Board of Directors
Former Executive Editor, IDC Quarterly